News Summary

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has announced a schedule change for the 2025 football finals due to a conflict with a Michigan State game. Originally set for November 28-29, the finals will now occur on Friday, November 28, and Sunday, November 30. This adjustment aims to accommodate the high-profile game while ensuring that schools with concerns about Sunday play are considered. The MHSAA 8-player finals will also return to the Superior Dome for its eighth edition, bringing more excitement to the championship weekend.

The Big Game Shuffle: MHSAA Adjusts Finals for November 2025

Fans in Michigan, hold on to your helmets! The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has just dropped some big news regarding the football finals schedule for the year 2025. Why? Because it’s going to get quite a bit crowded at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend when Michigan State football takes the field against Maryland! That game, set for Saturday, November 29, 2025, is the reason for some last-minute rearranging in the schedules for high school football finals.

When’s It Happening?

Originally, the MHSAA finals were slated for November 28 and 29 (Friday and Saturday), but now they will be split up! In a bid to fit everything around the big Michigan State game, the finals will now take place on Friday and Sunday. This is actually the second time in three seasons that a Michigan State game has influenced the high school finals calendar with similar scheduling changes occurring in 2023.

What About Sunday Games?

Now, for those buzzing with excitement about the finals, there’s some important stuff regarding who can play when. Back in 2023, it turned out that no teams advancing to the championship games raised a fuss about playing on a Sunday. But here’s the twist—some Christian schools had expressed the need to avoid Sunday games if they made it to the finals. The MHSAA has been proactive, planning for even-numbered divisions to play on Friday while letting the odd-numbered divisions take the field on Sunday.

Should any situation arise with teams still in Division 4, it’s possible the good folks at MHSAA may revisit those Sunday game concerns. For quite a while, the Archdiocese of Detroit has held firm on keeping youth sports off the playing field on Sundays, which impacts schools in the Catholic High School League. But don’t fret; if schools find themselves in a bind when it comes to playing on Sunday, MHSAA is prepared to accommodate those situations.

What Else Is Happening at the Finals?

Amidst all the changes, let’s not forget about the MHSAA 8-Player Football Finals. This thrilling event will be held at the Superior Dome in Marquette for the eighth time! For those unaware, the MHSAA began sponsoring 8-player football playoffs back in 2011, kicking things off with just one division. The very first championship was a nail-biter, with Carsonville-Port Sanilac taking the title against Rapid River. The Superior Dome, famous for being the largest wooden dome in the world, will once again become an epic backdrop for those championship moments.

Some Fun Facts About the Superior Dome

The dome stands tall at 143 feet and stretches a whopping 536 feet in diameter, covering more than five acres! Over the years, various locations have hosted finals, but the Superior Dome holds a special place in the hearts of many. Powers North Central is the only team to have snagged championship titles across all venues where the finals have played out.

Looking Ahead

MHSAA officials are hopeful about the upcoming games and are ready to proactively engage with schools to ensure a seamless experience. They anticipate that potential issues will be addressed early on, minimizing any significant conflicts as they head into 2025. Michigan State’s athletic director even acknowledged the partnership with the MHSAA, showing appreciation for how well both sides have been able to navigate these scheduling challenges.

So, mark your calendars and get ready for a thrilling weekend in late November 2025. Whether you’re cheering for the Spartans or your local high school team, it promises to be an exciting football fiesta to remember!

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